Representative Gillette discusses funding needs for Missoula crime lab staffing issues

The House Appropriations Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues, particularly focusing on the staffing challenges faced by the state’s crime lab. The meeting began with Representative Gillette sharing insights from a recent tour of the crime lab in Missoula, highlighting the significant delays in solving criminal cases due to staffing shortages.

Representative Gillette emphasized the need for technical scientists in the lab, noting the extensive training required for these professionals. He pointed out that the lab had recently lost a physician, which underscored the urgency of addressing retention issues. Gillette proposed a bill aimed at providing additional funding to support recruitment and retention efforts within the crime lab, stating that even a small amount of financial assistance could have a meaningful impact.

The committee then opened the floor for public input, but no proponents or opponents of the bill were present online. The discussion shifted to questions from committee members. Representative Nave, who also visited the crime lab, echoed Gillette's concerns about staffing and mentioned that while House Bill 2 addressed some medical examiner issues, there remained significant needs related to substance abuse staffing and equipment.

Representative Wall Street raised a question regarding the funding approach, suggesting that instead of allocating small amounts to various agencies, it might be more efficient to allow the executive branch to manage recruitment and retention funding comprehensively, as previously discussed in House Bill 2.

The meeting concluded without a formal vote, but the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in staffing the crime lab and the need for strategic funding solutions to enhance its operational capacity. The committee will likely continue to explore these issues in future sessions.